Mission Accomplished: Marine keeps his vow to find a Freeport soldier’s son

On Father’s Day, Don McCord of Mineral Point, Wis., is typically surrounded by his loving brood of five girls: Connie, Lori, Tammy, Shari and Patty. He treasures these moments with them, moments he never had the opportunity to experience with his own father. Before Don was born, World War II was a...

On Father’s Day, Don McCord of Mineral Point, Wis., is typically surrounded by his loving brood of five girls: Connie, Lori, Tammy, Shari and Patty. He treasures these moments with them, moments he never had the opportunity to experience with his own father.

Before Don was born, World War II was already raging strong. Men and boys from Freeport and surrounding communities were quickly answering their country’s call to duty. Don’s father, Fred J. McCord Jr., had been working for Schofield Trucking in Freeport before enlisting in the U.S. Marines. On Oct. 4, 1943, at the tender age of 18, he went on active duty.

“My mom’s brother went into the Army, and my dad went in (the service), too,” Don said.

Less than a year after enlisting, Pvt. McCord was killed in the Battle of Saipan, an island some 7,000 miles away from his boyhood home at 30 N. Rose Ave. in Freeport. Pvt. McCord was laid to rest in the 4th Marine Division Cemetery on Saipan: Plot 4; Row 8; Grave 896.

It seemed as though Pvt. McCord would never be returned to his hometown, or to his wife, Florence, or infant son, Don. But the U.S. government had a plan in the making.

A Hero Comes Home

The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, the “Punchbowl,” was established as a national cemetery in Honolulu. In the 1940s, it was designated as a permanent burial site in Hawaii for the remains of thousands of World War II servicemen killed on islands in the Pacific Theater. Typically, families could choose to have their loved ones laid to rest in the Punchbowl, or transported home for burial.

Pvt. McCord’s family opted for the latter. On May 27, 1949, Pvt. McCord reached his place of final interment – a peaceful, gentle sloping hill at Oakland Cemetery in Freeport. The funeral ceremony is still a harrowing memory for Don, who was a child at the time.

“When they brought him back, I was 6 or 7. I went to the funeral at Oakland with my mother and my grandpa,” Don recalled.

His father was interred with military honors, including a 21-gun salute. Afterwards, a Marine presented young Don the flag which moments earlier had draped his father’s casket.

“I had to stand there and hold my hands out like this,” Don said as he slowly stretched his arms out and turned his palms toward the sky.

For his patriotic service and sacrifice, Pvt. McCord was awarded the Purple Heart, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Don said he has given his eldest daughter the flag, his dad’s Marine book and his medals, securing their future in the family. Sixty years later and unbeknownst to Don, there would soon be more to add to the family collection, including another flag.

Page 2 of 5 -
Life Goes On

Despite his tremendous loss, Don’s budding life couldn’t be put on hold and time marched on. His grandpa, Fred McCord Sr., would come visit him every Saturday morning.

“He did that right up until the time he died,” Don recalled.

His mother married Henry Roth, who was the only father Don really ever knew. He considered Henry his dad, and uses the term father rather than “step-father” to describe him. Henry was a World War II veteran who was injured in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, Henry wouldn’t have anything to do with guns, Don said.

“There are times I wish I had known my real dad because I liked fishing and hunting, and I know he did, too,” Don said.

Don married, had children and worked until retirement from American Motors Corporation (AMC) / Chrysler in Kenosha, Wis. Part of his family’s tradition is to spend Father’s Day and the Fourth of July with his daughters. And on Wednesdays, he regularly heads over to the Gun Hut in Scales Mound for a casual cookout with his brothers and several friends. It was there that he received an unusual phone call.

Semper Fi

When Kent McCord of Orlando, Fla., arrived in Freeport on June 7, he was determined to complete his mission: locate Pvt. Fred McCord Jr.’s son, Don. Kent had checked into the Baymont Inn and Suites, and went about the difficult task of locating a total stranger.

Armed with bits and pieces of information, he visited Oakland Cemetery, a local flower shop, and the Stephenson County All Veterans Memorial Park, where he found Pvt. Fred McCord Jr.’s name etched for eternity on a black granite wall.

In addition to Freeport’s many one-way streets, the Florida visitor ran into many dead-ends. The funeral home that handled Pvt. McCord’s arrangements was out of business, and the family’s home on Rose Avenue was long gone. Three days later when he came into The Journal-Standard building in hopes of locating Pvt. Fred McCord’s obituary, things began looking up.

A quick phone call to World War II veteran Bob Knodle started Kent in the right direction. Bob, who served in Guam, was from the East side of town, just like Pvt. Fred McCord, and they were nearly the same age.

“We called him Junior, because his dad’s name was Fred, too,” Bob said. “He was really a nice guy. I grew up with him on the east side of Freeport. I didn’t live too many blocks away from him.”

Bob recalled that “Junior” was one of the guys that would hang out at Taylor Park, and he had worked for Schofield Trucking before joining the Marines. He also remembered how it saddened everyone to learn of the young man’s death.

Page 3 of 5 -
“It was just a shame,” Bob said.

Kent headed over to Bob’s house in hopes of learning more about Pvt. McCord first-hand. In the meantime, a quick search of The Journal-Standard’s Web site produced a hint to Don’s whereabouts. J-S staffer and Scales Mound-native Heather Holloway followed up on the clue, locating Don, who, because it was a Wednesday, was in nearby Scales Mound. Kent gave Don a call and immediately headed out to the Gun Hut to finally complete his long-awaited mission.

Keeping a Vow

Kent McCord exemplifies the word patriotism. He not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. Kent has served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring from the service in 2005. He currently works with the veteran’s administration in Florida, and continually draws strength from his military experience, especially his time in the Marines.

“The Marines have more esprit de corps,” he explained.

In 1994, Kent was part of a military dedication team for the American Memorial Park in Saipan. He knew there was a McCord listed on the monument, but his duties required him to leave right after the dedication. He vowed to return, and in 2000, he did.

“I skipped breakfast and went out to the memorial,” Kent recalled. “I walked up the steps, and instead of going to the right like I normally would because I’m right-handed, I went to the left and the name immediately caught my eye.”

Engraved in speckled grey and black granite was Pvt. Fred John McCord’s name. He let his fingers trace over the recessed letters. Kent had a Marine Corps flag with him, which he raised and let fly over the memorial. He then lowered the special flag and tucked it away for safe-keeping. He promised himself that someday he would find Pvt. McCord’s family and give them this flag in his honor. Kent took photographs of the memorial and the names engraved there and made a pledge to himself: “I’m going to find this man’s family when I retire.”

Kent’s desire was to personally thank Don for his sacrifice, as well as for his father’s ultimate sacrifice.

“The sacrifice of these men is being forgotten,” Kent said. “There are Donald McCord’s among us who are still paying an emotionally high price for the freedoms we enjoy today ... We owe a debt of gratitude to all the Donald McCord’s who still bear the burden and still pay the price.”

Kent presented Don with the Marine Corps flag, a photo album featuring pictures of the memorial and close-ups of his father’s name, a Marine Corps hat, and Marine Corps license plate.

Don said he had no idea his father’s name was on the memorial on Saipan.

Page 4 of 5 -
“I think it is amazing that he brought back the flag,” Don said. “I thanked him 1,000 times. I think he did a wonderful thing.”

Don said he is proud of all of his family’s military service, including his brother Danny Roth’s enlistment in the Marines, brother Joe Roth’s enlistment in the Army, Uncle Donald Brick’s enlistment in the Army and his Uncle Eddie West’s service with the Army.

Kent said that in addition to finding Don, he was hoping for two other accomplishments when he came to Freeport last week.

“I was hoping that the family remembered Pvt. Fred McCord and the sacrifice he made, and I was hoping that the town memorialized him,” Kent said.

Pvt. McCord’s name at the veteran’s park and Don’s enthusiasm to learn more about his father was evidence enough that both those criteria had been met.

There are two distinct messages Kent hopes his completed mission will convey: Pvt. Fred McCord paid a terrible price for our freedom, and his son Donald is still paying that price today.

Battle of Saipan

Dates: June 15, 1944 to July 9, 1944

Americans killed: 2,949

Americans wounded: 10,364

Troops who landed: 71,000

— wikipedia.com

By the Numbers

World War II veterans are dying at the rate of 2,000 per day

— The VA Administration

Here is an account of Pvt. McCord and the Battle of Saipan in Kent McCord’s own words:

All gave some, but some gave all.

In Stockton, IL on 11 May, 1925, a male child, named Fred John McCord was born to Fred and Minnie McCord.

… In October, 1943 a young married, 18-year-old Freeport citizen, joined the US Marines to fight for the freedom of our Nation. His wife recently gave birth to their son, Donald. PVT McCord completed recruit basis training CampElliott, San Diego. He received additional training rating as a first class, Light Machine Gunner, and Ammunition Handler. He sailed from USMCTransientCenter, San Diego, CA on the troop transport the SS Mormasport and arrived at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Here the Marines were reassigned to various units replacing those killed in action. On 6 February, 1944, PVT McCord was assigned to the Company K, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force ((FMF).

PVT McCord's joined the battle to liberate the MarianasIslands in the South Pacific. The Island of Saipan was correctly understood by both Admiral Ernest J. King and Marine Corps General Holland Smith as the Japanese Pacific Naval Command much like what Pearl Harbor was for the American Pacific Naval Forces.General Smith was commonly called "Howling Mad Smith" by his fellow devil dogs (other Marines). It was at this point of history, on 15 June, 1944, a young eighteen year old, named PVT McCord, came ashore on GreenBeach, located just south of the capital city of the Garapan. Hell was upon him. As they ran across the sandy beaches, the Japanese were dug into well disguised fortifications. The Japanese murderous fire rained down on upon them. The Marines finally secured the beach head after 2,000 causalities on the first day of the battle. PVT McCord, hailing from a town called Freeport was here to do just that -- bring freedom to all people even to the indigenous people of Saipan, the Chamorro who were brutalized by the Japanese.

The 2nd Marine Division fought through the jungle, the hills, even in the capital village of Garapan. They captured the harbor of Tanapag, a small air strip and proceed across the Tanapag plain north towards Marpi Point, the last bastion of Japanese troops. The Japanese commander ordered his troops to kill ten American devils before they themselves died for the Emperor. The 2nd Marine Division had made much progress but had suffered very heavy causalities. Accounts of this action are still referred to as "Purple Heart Ridge," "Death Valley" and "Hell's Acre." By 28 June, 1944 General Saito commander of the Japanese forces, were preparing for the final assault on the Marines.

The final assault came at 0400 on 07 July, 1944. The fighting was intense even more so than battles like Tarawa. The battle ended sometime in the early morning hours of 08 July, 1944. PVT Fred John McCord was found dead in the field on 08 July, 1944 from a wound to the head. Identification was made from his dog tags. PVT McCord gave his all. He died so that you could read this article in English not in German or Japanese. His son, Donald was only 49 weeks old.

This little boy never knew his father. Fortunately for him, he would grow up in a very close and loving family. Donald McCord continues to live his sacrifice to this very day. His father wasn't there to teach him how to throw his first ball or swing the bat. His father wasn't there to teach him to ride a two wheel bicycle instead of his tricycle. His father wasn't there to teach him how to swim, fish or hunt But one could say that Donald McCord did see his father or at least his father's flag draped casket. PVT Fred John McCord, USMC came home via the Freeport Railroad Depot and was interred with Military Honors in the Oakland Cemetery on 27 May, 1949. Let us never forget; let us always remember, there are other Donald McCord's among us who are still paying an emotionally high price for the freedoms we enjoy today. We salute all those who made the ultimate sacrifice on the field of battle. We owe a debt of gratitude to all the Donald McCord's who still bear the burden and still pay the price.”

Kent McCord also shares the following: A Reflective Thought or Prayer

Eternal Father of the land and sea, nearly 233 years ago, you gave a vision of freedom and equality to our founding fathers, as they attempted to establish a new nation, founded upon the principles of "truth, justice and liberty for all.

Continue to bless this nation, for you have placed a

heavy burden upon our shoulders, to make your message of freedom live on, in all nations, for all peoples, as a promise of hope for a better tomorrow.

Even when this Nation was involved in its own great conflict, when brother took up sword against brother, you raised up another great man of faith and vision.

As President Lincoln looked out over the Battlefield at Gettysburg, he observed: “Life without liberty is intolerable and freedom without sacrifice is impossible.The sacrifices of our sons and daughters in wars for the freedom of other people, in other lands, has brought terrorism into our own land. Even President Lincoln was called to make the ultimate sacrifice to preserving the Union and this dream.

Almighty Father, help us to remember that freedom does not automatically perpetuate itself, that we have to work at it, nurture it, protect it, and pray for it and even sacrifice for it.

May we never forget, may we always remember, our fallen brothers and sisters, who have paid the ultimate price, so that we may stand here today, as free men and women. May you continue to bless our Nation with a strong and vibrant Marine Corps, standing the watch and ever ready to serve - "for God, Country and Corps."Ready to accomplish once again, the impossible as they did in battles like Guam, Saipan, Iwo Jima, Tarawa.

In a world of war and terrorism, a great task lies yet ahead for our Nation. May we, like our forebears before us, always be pledged to defend this God given vision of freedom, and the preservation of this great nation, even to the shedding of our own blood.

Lord, be with us now to strengthen us; about us to keep us; above us to hold us up; before us to direct us; behind us to keep us from straying; round about us to defend us.We pray not to conquer but for the day we can lay down our arms, and more earnestly give our full measure of devotion to the cause of justice, to live in kindness, and to walk humbly in your sight.

The words of President Lincoln, spoken in November, 1863, are as true today, as they were when he first uttered them at Gettysburg.

"It is for us the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work, which they who fought here, have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us, to be here dedicated, to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead, we take increased devotion to that cause, for which they gave their last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve, that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth." To this may each one of us add but only one word spoken from our hearts. Amen.